Jailed Bookie Seeks Book Deal

Spending almost three years in a Florida prison for running a bookmaking operation would make great fodder for a book, according to Thomas Welch, a convicted bookie who is set to be released in a matter of days.

Welch made headlines in 2014 after an undercover sting set up by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement resulted in his arrest on charges of extortion, racketeering and money laundering. Welch's bookie endeavors - played out online at Alydar653.com - were based in Costa Rica, although most of his time was spent in Naples, Florida.

His time since May 13, 2015 has been spent at a West Palm Beach minimum security prison, where he apparently was held in high regard by his fellow inmates.

"Bookies are at the top of the prisoner hierarchy," Welch said.

His idea for a book comes from his time spent in jail, as a Navy submariner, and taking bets for Spiros "The Greek" Athanas, before eventually starting his own website that handled millions of dollars in wagers annually. Welch named his website after his dog and submarine number, he told gambling911.

"I think I have a lot of interesting tales that people in and out of the gambling world would like to read about," Welch stated. "In fact, I'm betting on it."

Welch's bookmaking apparently continued in prison, with coveted items from the prison commissary used as currency. He was released on March 13.